Outdoor supply retail co/op REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) has recently invested $18,600 toward maintenance of the Backbone Trail, a much-loved hiking route that cuts through the local Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
Funds going toward the trail come from a larger pledge of $500,000 REI has allocated to be spread among 10 outdoor recreation areas in eight states. Some of these include the Coast to Crest Trail and the Coon Creek to Bear River Trail System in California, the Appalachian Trail at Bear Mountain in New York State, Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota and the Mount Columbia Summit Trail in Colorado.
The Superior Hiking Trail and the Mount Columbia Summit Trail were the big winners, each earning $75,000 thanks to winning an online vote.
“At REI, we believe that trails are nature’s playground. They connect us to one another and to something larger than ourselves,” said Jerry Stritzke, REI president and CEO, in a statement. “These natural treasures are often underfunded, so we are asking the outdoor community to join us in celebrating our dedicated nonprofit partners and help us build, improve and enhance these 10 great trails for generations to come.”
Information provided by REI states that the Backbone Trail, which runs from Point Mugu State Park to the west down to Will Rogers State Park to the east, will be fully unified thanks to the funds provided and in partnership with the Santa Monica Mountains Fund.
“In late 2015 into mid 2016, a coalition of park and conservancy agencies will realize a 40-year dream to provide an uninterrupted trail route from Sunset Boulevard across the Santa Monica Mountains to Pt. Mugu,” on online description states.